Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc Newshttp://visitwauchope.com.au/
Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc blog postsWauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry IncWild Apricot - membership management software and moreenSat, 25 May 2019 14:10:18 GMTSat, 25 May 2019 14:10:18 GMTMon, 18 Feb 2019 09:13:01 GMTWauchope Chamber Billabong Tour February 2019<p>Thank you to the Stone Family and Billabong Zoo staff for hosting our first catch up of 2019 for Wauchope Chamber Members and guests!</p>
<p>Thank you to Billabong's Chef Kathy who put on a scrumptious spread for us all. Networking and nibbles were followed by an update of Chamber happenings and local issues.</p>
<p>Mark Stone then shared an update on the amazing things happening at the Zoo! While we can now see the transformation inside the entry hall and cafe, Mark shared that he can't wait to get stuck into the external improvements they have planned.</p>
<p>Billabong Zoo enjoys a strong reputation on the tourism scene. Mark highlighted the team would love to see more locals come and visit the animals or just enjoy a meal at the cafe. So if you haven't been in to say hello for a while, now is the time to get to it!</p>
<p>Thanks again to Mark, Kathy, Brooke, Lionel,and Kathy (chef) for making it all happen for us to come visit~!</p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/WauchopeChamberOfCommerce/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=2065542360196711" target="_blank" class="stylizedButton buttonStyle001"><strong>See pics from the night here</strong></a>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7172370
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7172370Lisa McPhersonMon, 18 Feb 2019 01:56:31 GMTDOUBLE DIPPING FOR CASUALS COULD BE A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME<p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, fears that the move by Labor to restore ‘double dipping’ for casuals could be a sign of things to come if a Shorten Government is elected in May.</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">This follows a motion put by Labor’s Doug Cameron in the Senate yesterday, which would restore the rights of casual workers to claim annual leave entitlements despite having already been paid a causal loading for the exact same reason.</font></p>
<p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Even more terrifying for Australia’s 2 million small and medium businesses is the risk that this Labor Party motion could open the door for back pay claims going back six years, potentially exposing small and family businesses to crippling claims.</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“Mr. Shorten was a union leader once, and he would have cut his teeth in a system that was always designed to ensure fairness to all parties in our workplace relations system,” said Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Kellon Beard.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“It is an Australian value that we hold dear, not to rip someone off, as we all saw in the recent Banking Royal Commission, and clearly using a loophole in the Fair Work legislation to allow a worker to get paid twice for the same entitlement is not what Australians stand for,” Mr. Beard said.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“If this becomes the law, it could send thousands of small business owners to the wall, and see their employees, both permanent and causal, out of work.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“Small business owners symbolise our proud history of ‘having a go’ and they try to do the right thing, but we can’t keep making it more difficult for them to create jobs for other Australians.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“This proposed change would have a very destructive effect on the Tourism and many other industries on the Mid North Coast.</font></p>
<p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Tahoma, sans-serif">“The Mid North Coast already has a higher unemployment rate than the state average with significant youth unemployment problem so the question is, how is this policy going to help? It isn’t is it, it’s obviously just going to make things worse</font></font></p>
<p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Tahoma, sans-serif">“Our local business community is already being crunched by high costs – electricity costs surge higher by the day, they’re being crunched by drought, we’ve got State Labor threatening to lift payroll taxes and now Federal Labor wanting to make it harder to employ people as well.</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma, sans-serif" color="#222222">“We need to help business employ and help our young people get jobs – not sentence them to long-term unemployment and poverty</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#222222">“The role of any Federal Government, regardless of the party in charge, should be to make it a better country for&nbsp;<em>all</em>&nbsp;of our citizens and not just about trying to appease the ACTU,”<font color="#FF0000">&nbsp;</font>Mr. Beard said.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 10px;" color="#222222" face="Tahoma, sans-serif">February 15, 2019</font><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7170352
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7170352Lisa McPhersonMon, 18 Feb 2019 01:51:38 GMTShare your views on the proposed Orbital Road at our community drop in sessions<p align="center"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-r/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-r/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550538772720000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHOieJM1TSrm1GsX-nJeoXcZWWhhQ"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font color="#F36E21"><img alt="e-Connect newsletter header" width="600" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Lozexdns_Ihk9L7svG8PU_bnKleJ58zTnsXaKnjKC9KHavL-3Z_an_Q86T3eQCLuNmWnLxysJPQTAm5WS-EVv0vx4L2vzNr4KuC2PTIJZQn5tD1ze1FlTMNIHUPJwV6xD0Az_yKUWCsTyaRclpCbitKVdOKFIG-_f2_CLexO03zgRy60OA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i1.cmail20.com/ei/d/49/7FF/8F4/154431/csfinal/eNewsletterMastheads_600x90px_0.2_Update-9900000000079e3c.jpg"></font></font></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-y/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-y/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550538772721000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGvivcxbGhwBXxBg_wLzXe4u27sow"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font color="#F36E21"><img alt="Proposed Orbital Road Project" width="600" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Ash9VBL4VAZS39MvmwlXHzXYSv2FXJ_xnG0p9566Xq4GdJcp_hAln9bwRhqpVW3V8514C4708jYIwsLXHTxq4JK5OAlaDvWfnLFpokGGuPW_OnQ2LLU54bes41pg-YQENbaI5OHe9ffqrSZd5HKhcg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i2.cmail20.com/ei/d/49/7FF/8F4/154431/csfinal/OrbitalRoad_600x300-9900000000079e3c.jpg"></font></font></a></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 31px;"><font style="font-size: 22px;" color="#0096D6">Share your views on the proposed Orbital Road at our community drop in sessions</font></h2>
<p>Council is currently seeking community input on a proposed Orbital Road for Port Macquarie.&nbsp;This proposed road is an important long-term solution to reducing traffic congestion and addressing our region’s future transport needs.</p>
<p>The proposed Orbital Road consists of the collective East-West Link (Ocean Drive to Oxley Highway), the North-South Link (Oxley Highway to Boundary Street) and the flood-free Primary Airport Access Road. It is a new approach to improving the road network in and around Port Macquarie and will improve connectivity to key destinations including the Health and Education Precinct, the Airport and the Regional Sports Stadium.</p>
<h3 style="line-height: 26px;"><font style="font-size: 17px;" color="#003A63">Community information drop-in sessions - dates and locations:</font></h3>
<p>Session 1 – Saturday 2 March,<br>
11am – 2pm - Westport Club – Hastings Room</p>
<p>Session 2 – Tuesday 5 March,<br>
11am – 2pm - Emerald Downs Community Centre</p>
<p>Session 3 – Tuesday 5 March,<br>
5:30pm – 8:30pm - Westport Club – Hastings Room</p>
<p>Session 4 – Saturday 9 March,<br>
11am – 2pm - Emerald Downs Community Centre</p>
<p>Session 5 – Tuesday 12 March,<br>
11am – 2pm - Westport Club – Hastings Room</p>
<p>Session 6 – Tuesday 12 March,<br>
5:30pm – 8:30pm - Westport Club – Hastings Room</p>
<p>You can attend the drop-in sessions at any time during the set three-hour period to learn more about the project&nbsp;and meet with our technical and community engagement teams’,&nbsp;who will be&nbsp;available to answer questions.</p>
<p>If you are unable to attend one of the drop in sessions, you can learn more about the Orbital Road project on our website at&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-j/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-j/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550538772721000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHPD6IK6BMLAH4wV17-7jpYnm8-Ag"><font color="#F36E21">haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/orbital-road</font></a>. Here you will find a range of project information including&nbsp;the proposed Orbital Road Feasibility Study, frequently asked questions, maps,&nbsp;fact sheets and a project information brochure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also encourage you to complete our online survey and to submit any feedback via the website.</p>
<p>Your feedback is important&nbsp;to help us make the best possible decisions about the next steps for this important project that will support our growing community.</p>
<h3 style="line-height: 26px;"><font style="font-size: 17px;" color="#003A63">Further information</font></h3>
<p>For more information and to complete the online survey visit&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-t/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nutlkjk-jllynxyk-t/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550538772721000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGRypT8RHX25T3al9xuS4liogoMbw"><font color="#F36E21">haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/orbital-road</font></a></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7170334
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7170334Lisa McPhersonMon, 11 Feb 2019 00:45:17 GMTThe ACCC's Little Black Book Of Scams<p align="left"><font color="#333333" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong style=""><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/scambooklet.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="display: block;" width="500" height="250"><a href="http://www.hccu.com.au" target="_blank" style="">Holiday Coast Credit Union</a></strong> take your financial security seriously. SCAMS come in all shapes and sizes and as identified by the ACCC ‘the best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education’.</font></p>
<p><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">The Little Black Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams including:</font></p>
<ul>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">the most common scams to watch out for</font></li>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">the different ways scammers can contact you</font></li>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">the tools scammers use to trick you</font></li>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">the warning signs</font></li>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">how to protect yourself, and</font></li>
<li><font color="#363535" style="font-size: 14px;">where you can find help.</font></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.hccu.com.au/ArticleDocuments/349/Little%20Black%20Book%20of%20Scams.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Download ACCC's "The Little Black Book of Scams"&nbsp;(PDF&nbsp;469.2KB)</strong></font></font></a></p>
<p><font><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><br></strong></font></font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7156998
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7156998Lisa McPhersonSun, 10 Feb 2019 23:59:31 GMTHave your say on new reporting scheme to encourage faster payment times<p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">Large and small business owners are invited to have their say on Commonwealth Government’s new business payments reporting scheme to encourage fairer and faster payment times for small businesses.</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">The Department of Jobs and Small Business is undertaking a national consultation process, and an online workshop for small business stakeholders. The workshops will be held in</font> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/have-your-say-on-new-reporting-scheme-to-encourage-faster-payment-times-tickets-56012535000"><font color="#1155CC"><font color="#1155CC">Perth</font></font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">(19 February)</font> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/have-your-say-on-new-reporting-scheme-to-encourage-faster-payment-times-tickets-56012664387"><font color="#1155CC"><font color="#1155CC">Sydney</font></font></a> <font color="#444444">(2</font><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">0 February), and</font> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/have-your-say-on-new-reporting-scheme-to-encourage-faster-payment-times-tickets-56012998386"><font color="#1155CC"><font color="#1155CC">Melbourne</font></font></a> <font color="#444444">(21</font> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">February), from 9am – 11am each morning.</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">Online consultation for small businesses: small businesses, including those in regional areas, can join an</font> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/have-your-say-on-new-reporting-scheme-to-encourage-faster-payment-times-tickets-56021843843"><font style="font-size: 16px;">online consultation workshop</font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">from 6pm – 9pm on the 21st of February. Participation will take approximately one hour, and businesses can join at any time in the three hour period.</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">Business owners and others interested in the reporting scheme are invited to share their views on how the framework would best work. The Department of Jobs and Small Business is particularly interested in hearing from large and small businesses in regional areas, and data users such as business software providers and credit reporting agencies, because this feedback will help develop the best possible reporting scheme to encourage fairer relationships between large and small business.</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">To register for updates on the consultation process or to view the discussion paper on the Payment Times Reporting Framework, please visit</font> <a href="http://www.jobs.gov.au/PaymentTimes"><font style="font-size: 16px;">www.jobs.gov.au/PaymentTimes</font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">or email</font> <a href="mailto:PaymentTimes@jobs.gov.au"><font style="font-size: 16px;">PaymentTimes@jobs.gov.au</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">A discussion paper on the options for how the payments information will be collected and reported each year is available at</font> <a href="http://www.jobs.gov.au/PaymentTimes"><font style="font-size: 16px;">www.jobs.gov.au/PaymentTimes</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#444444">.</font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7156961
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7156961Lisa McPhersonFri, 25 Jan 2019 04:15:05 GMTPMHC UPDATE: Australia Day, Saturday 26 January 2019<p align="center"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-r/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-r/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982698000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG7bSP0lxV2l7ePctzpXyAJtJZuTA"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font color="#F36E21"><img alt="e-Connect newsletter header" width="600" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/TNlRJv7KP-_0x7ypzJ1s0YvYp6za3_qrtZN3iuUH3C8GXNb7J1Gy5dFuvetYk0E6Q_ppvD8JMtwGliVcEffVX8Xq0XldtA5ZZJ9VvpJUHqSpn61X0WZfaaz78ADu3xlazQg1nJIScHhVO2l57rIXFtYn7uhPyRK96QF3WSw73BxblA7rlA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i1.cmail20.com/ei/d/C4/1E0/F39/123726/csfinal/eNewsletterMastheads_600x90px_0.2_Update-9900000000079e3c.jpg"></font></font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Christmas and New Year Closures" width="600" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/q3d2ryYlvRy3-XDA_0zk56e22-kfQNwnwvo1pWuUHUfxk-RVfyguuGI-ul1qJ7kRi7bBnUZPu-zjpByp7CiC2WTskueGCtlc_N2k71_KNZYrPouLYbDXfPK5TEIfcprrm379GCMtecbpBCWzJxS35HnpNTd7aFegrAM1GTA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i2.cmail20.com/ei/d/C4/1E0/F39/123726/csfinal/iStock-172773581_heart_Australia-9900000000079e3c.jpg"></font></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 31px;"><font style="font-size: 22px;" color="#0096D6">Australia Day, Saturday 26 January 2019</font></h2>
<p>Australia Day is a day for all Australians, no matter where our personal stories began. It’s the day to celebrate our diversity and the values that we share as the Australian community.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We've planned a day of celebrations across the region this Australia Day with a number of family friendly activities happening in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and the Camden Haven.</p>
<p><font style="font-size: 4px;" color="#222222" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><strong>Laurieton,&nbsp;North Brother Mountain, from 7.30am</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Aussie breakfast available&nbsp;for purchase from 7:30am</li>
<li>Australiana salute by&nbsp;Camden Haven Concert&nbsp;Band</li>
<li>Australia Day Ceremony&nbsp;from 8.00am&nbsp;including&nbsp;Citizenship Ceremony</li>
</ul>
<p>View the&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-y/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-y/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982698000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEU6NgGhyqQLV1XHwJeJQjhoSoKRw"><font color="#F36E21">Program of Events here</font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Face painting" width="200" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ckMoC3qKE7HLdIc7Mtxp4UIQqHiM9Uw8ywCjEDiFjBXKORQweqz2uh_Q5OxHew-jhQb4wkaWBkpgMConAhb6t2DfN8GRyI29H-96HhOGFAr_AJaycxSFk3m3ls0EGJwYWwG14Pw=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i3.cmail20.com/ei/d/C4/1E0/F39/123726/csfinal/Ausday32-9900000000028a3c.jpg"></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 4px;" color="#222222" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><strong>Wauchope&nbsp;Showground, from 8.00am</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Aussie breakfast available from 8.00am</li>
<li>FREE waterslides, jumping&nbsp;castle and bungee run</li>
<li>Face painting</li>
<li>Farmers Market and food&nbsp;stalls</li>
<li>Guessing competitions</li>
<li>Sing Australia sing along</li>
<li>Large vintage car and&nbsp;steam machinery display</li>
<li>Australia Day Ceremony&nbsp;from 11.00am including&nbsp;Citizenship Ceremony</li>
</ul>
<p>View the&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-j/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-j/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFwSzZvAg3CQH5eb0txskLkp0-q9g"><font color="#F36E21">Program of Events here</font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Wauchope sack races" width="200" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mQ3SLDOXUQJcUOiG4rfSs4tu17GFwxbZ66vquK9lw2RnS4XZYx7TgLbJ2Mw_CQwyL2JpDNUKj17gpabTtOcg3Bq5kkOYjuaYa6Q7CqkjKyMktPDr9zpT7AQOFGtcUsJKXvCofcE=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i4.cmail20.com/ei/d/C4/1E0/F39/123726/csfinal/Ausday81-9900000000028a3c.jpg"></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 4px;" color="#222222" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><strong>Port Macquarie, Town Green, from 8.00am</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Market &amp; food stalls from 8.00am</li>
<li><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-t/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-t/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHc3a-FReoReGj892zUPxGSPSzYPQ"><font color="#F36E21">Collectibles showcase</font></a></li>
<li>Giant slide and jumping castle</li>
<li>Kids games with prizes</li>
<li>Hastings Municipal Town&nbsp;Band</li>
<li>Entertainment by Khristina&nbsp;Joy &amp; Z Chords, Day&nbsp;Trippers &amp; Blue Hype Big&nbsp;Band</li>
<li>Various&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-i/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-i/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHSukUSegR5to6leir0tWYQEljuBg"><font color="#F36E21">aquatics activities</font></a>&nbsp;on the Hastings River</li>
<li>Australia Day Ceremony&nbsp;from 3.00pm.&nbsp; Announcement of PMHC&nbsp;Australia Day Award&nbsp;recipients and Citizenship&nbsp;Ceremony</li>
</ul>
<p>View the&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-d/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-d/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGikfUy4b8YsncqAg4mnbaoNb72Vg"><font color="#F36E21">Program of Events here</font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Port Macquarie Jumping Castle" width="200" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/9yZxve5_7V9tBhvSzO9xF4Dqxn9qia56NqrMi-5Ni7k10UHls58joFaZ4T9QXCdMD5HxX8hP4y-2YJpjrVm0GM7ymNa7JazhncTwbONrWLvztBRyg3MUYhZtuy_aKnNfQ4ABLZOi=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i5.cmail20.com/ei/d/C4/1E0/F39/123726/csfinal/Ausday-49-9900000000028a3c.jpg"></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 4px;" color="#222222" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-b/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-b/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHXASN02i-HQXow-wgeeAk0t-CHdg"><font color="#F36E21">pmhc.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay</font></a></p>
<p>Want to see how well you know your Aussie Slang? Have a crack at the ultimate Australia Day Quiz at&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-n/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail20.com/t/d-l-nhuhhht-jllynxyk-n/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1548473982699000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEDYZ5kts8Y6gcuWA1uipXwz7kJCQ"><font color="#F36E21">australiaday.com.au</font></a></p>
<p><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7128322
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/7128322Lisa McPhersonTue, 11 Dec 2018 03:56:32 GMTPEAK BUSINESS GROUP SUPPORTS DOUBLE DIPPING REGULATIONS<p>The state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, believes proposed regulations being introduced by the Federal Government to prevent ‘double dipping’ by casual workers will be met with relief by business owners across the country.</p>
<p>“I commend the Government for addressing the absurd situation where employees can double dip by receiving a casual loading in lieu of annual and personal leave, and then receive those exact same paid leave entitlements as well,” said NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Kellon Beard.</p>
<p>“These new regulations are a victory for common sense,” Mr. Beard said.</p>
<p>“It is disappointing that the Government was not able to obtain bi-partisan support for a legislative solution to address all of the problems arising from the recent Workpac v Skene decision.</p>
<p>“Without the new regulations, we are left with Fair Work laws that are not fair and do not align with the reality of casual employment in the modern workforce.</p>
<p>“Many employers engage casuals to meet operational demands of their business, and many employees choose to be engaged as casuals so that they receive their 25% casual loading. Many of these consensual arrangements, which have operated in practice for decades, now carry the risk of landing employers with a double whammy.</p>
<p>“It’s why the NSW Business Chamber recently proposed the idea of introducing a new category of worker, a perma-flexi, which allows casual employees to be engaged on the same flexible basis as they always have been, but with leave entitlements being provided in exchange for the payment of a 10% loading.</p>
<p>“It is staggering that the ACTU continues to argue against the proposed flexible category of employment, when the Chamber’s proposal gives casuals the option of obtaining the employment security and benefits that the ACTU has been publicly calling for,” Mr. Beard said.</p>
<p><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954749
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954749Lisa McPhersonMon, 10 Dec 2018 23:58:37 GMTBusiness Conditions Survey<p style=""><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_vsDz02sfe4MK4oMOL5BNX5OCo1-yfNUxeF0s1sk7V58ZoK8EZWNwOxXJ7O9seCjTKAiaQoDvubw0h5d7cYkZS98_TfNnwQw80V2Z66dS8iwXF7T0jcOXt-CutKsNJfDQPc4jZwwUd8q6D-FoBz1NQrWLBAbTPTK1-9uQchof-s4DhDTQinSaxcHVT8=s0-d-e1-ft#https://prod-swiftdigital-staticassets.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/sd_images/zzzz530281da562f6770zzzz5a1ca8a7d1407861" width="649"></p>
<p style=""><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Fgr7XaYSjpls4hjagNULly8MUitbu5oz9nfcDLUdTUKm3KMFJ6dQHnuCTTEzSWovL2Kqu_iA1ts7JeqKKXSHE60JwIwuBqTTfdZwO91cE-GANRO3w8dFR_jnhUFc0sVXeaZEbHUD-YRQtlDdEON4HS_nzHfKL7t5OcTCDR7ZinAGMzI_drX1pJnGt1g=s0-d-e1-ft#https://prod-swiftdigital-staticassets.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/sd_images/zzzz530281da562f6770zzzz5bfc8208559ea083" width="649"></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">As both a key decision maker in your industry, and a valued Chamber member, we would greatly appreciate your participation in this important survey.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 12px;">We do apologise if you are receiving&nbsp;this email and have already completed the survey previously.</font></font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>What is Business Conditions Survey&nbsp;about?</strong></font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">The survey aims to provide an honest and comprehensive analysis of economic trends, opportunities and challenges for NSW businesses.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">Your responses&nbsp;help&nbsp;the Chamber to advocate for a better operating environment for businesses in NSW. If you'd like to see what the work and efforts of the Chamber, armed with your feedback, have&nbsp;delivered for business in 2018, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef73743ab7802Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef73743ab7802Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1544581888742000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG3h28Lfmzxjkg85T0rLuHEVOxR2A"><font color="#646C78">here</font></a>.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">Your participation will also give you the chance to win an Apple iPad.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;<a href="http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef7374eab8392Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef7374eab8392Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1544581888742000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHBbmh7jEvCshV2AknTBiWbgkknVQ"><font color="#646C78"><img border="0" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/BUW6-l7IFRD5uJ8jqXE1O67asftKZR9WIld47uuR0n-4Q_CLqGsFY7wxccUpQ9xJwqhbn9T4NUUP4nJ1LbAhCVA2rPhYs_GsrBxuDrwnQkwIaMTUiDnU0af8u1Mu2Lc7sD2NgnPObAUZN0s72Itaiid7CxU-SwNa3C3kWRjywn1kjSLFU0pbmJlSlSs=s0-d-e1-ft#https://prod-swiftdigital-staticassets.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/sd_images/zzzz530281da562f6770zzzz592e5973c9f8c928"></font></a></font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;or paste this URL into your browser:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bcsdec2018" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bcsdec2018&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1544581888742000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE2yg3-UCYFoBvtU8GEIWeBrHcXOA"><font color="#1155CC">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bcsdec2018</font></a></font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>First prize:&nbsp;</strong>You will be entered into the draw to win an Apple iPad Wi-Fi&nbsp;(32gb) valued at $469.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Runner-up prizes:&nbsp;</strong>You will also have the chance to win one of three $50 Eftpos gift&nbsp;cards.</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><strong><font style="font-size: 12px;">Survey close date:&nbsp;</font></strong><font style="font-size: 12px;">Please complete the survey before 5:00pm AEST Monday&nbsp;17&nbsp;December&nbsp;2018.</font></font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Previous survey results:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef7375b2f9506Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://news.nswbc.com.au/link/id/zzzz5c0ef7375b2f9506Pzzzz57da3549c6e4c298/page.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1544581888742000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFDCuBHeXQNtIFFMH-cUFx-VlSxBw"><font color="#646C78">Past Business Conditions Survey results</font></a>&nbsp;can be found on the NSW Business Chamber website.&nbsp;</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">For further information please contact Laurence Redaelli, Policy Analyst on (02) 9458 7913</font></font></p>
<p style=""><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Share</strong>&nbsp;- Please forward this email to your colleagues and business associates so they can also make their opinions count.</font></font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#646C78" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Privacy</strong>&nbsp;- Responses will be reported in aggregate and no contact details will be made available to any third party, although we may contact respondents that agree to be contacted for media responses. Terms and Conditions are included below.</font></font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Terms and Conditions:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The prizes consist of one major prize (1 X Apple iPad Wi-Fi&nbsp;32GB model valued at $469) and three runner-up prizes (3 X $50 eftpos gift cards). Instructions relating to gift card activation will be provided to the winner. There is no extra cost in claiming the prize. The prize is not transferable. The prize is not redeemable for cash. The participant must be over 18 to be eligible. The draw is limited to one entry per client. Closing date for receipt of entries is 5:00 pm AEST Monday&nbsp;17 December&nbsp;2018. The judge's decision is final. The winners will be drawn on Monday 14 January&nbsp;2019, at 4:00pm at NSW Business Chamber's premises on Level 15, 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney NSW 2060. The winners will be notified by NSW Business Chamber by email. The winner’s names will be published on&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1544581888743000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEzG2xfoiBzTbelYSSi87NhbTldgg" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><font color="#1155CC">www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au</font></a><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">. The prizes must be claimed by Monday 21&nbsp;January&nbsp;2019. If the prizes are not claimed, a second chance draw will be drawn on Tuesday 22 January&nbsp;2019&nbsp;at 4:00pm. The prize is offered by NSW Business Chamber, 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.</span></p><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span><br>
<span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Please note you are receiving this email as a member, trialist, guest or subscriber to NSW Business Chamber. Read about our commitment to protecting your personal information in our&nbsp;Privacy Policy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by&nbsp;email&nbsp;or call 13 26 96.</span><br style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<br style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Copyright 2018&nbsp;NSW Business Chamber (ABN 63 000 014 504) and contributors. All rights reserved. 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia.</span>
<p><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(67, 73, 83); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br></span></p><img alt="NSW Business Chamber" border="0" height="63" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/DPsyF54R-_uD5QGWKf5G5MgmX680Un8pqRzUL4QcR5QzutFtDe0EkkGcRhFdb5NY_MvO7oe4m0OJ-olg53QWVMP9q_RKgR7wrwF2hahXlNHDEQ5uvlO06NAw5GKMNcjTo-D0Io82vE7fAJjFI411sVJaCA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://news.nswbc.com.au/media/dynamic/id/zzzz530281da562f6770zzzz5305329a7842c428/interface.gif" width="105">
<p>Call us on 13 26 96</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954766
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954766Lisa McPhersonMon, 03 Dec 2018 03:14:30 GMTThe Magic of Christmas is coming to Wauchope<p>It is time to mark the calendar and invite family and friends for an evening of entertainment at the annual Wauchope community Christmas in Bain Park presented by Holiday Coast Credit Union.</p>
<p>The event will be held on Saturday December 15 from 5pm at Bain Park in Wauchope.</p>
<p>Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry are delighted to host the event, now in its eighth year. The evening offers local talent, the Sing Australia Choir and a visit from Santa, Prime Possum and Kenny Koala on stage along with children’s activities, food and market stalls.</p>
<p>There is plenty to do with the Party Professional jumping castles, Sand Wizard stall, win a ham at the Apex Tombola, find the perfect gift at one of the market stalls, enjoy a bite to eat from one of the food stalls or local eateries and much more.</p>
<p>“This iconic homegrown event is a wonderful Wauchope Christmas tradition and brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to share in the magic of Christmas,” said Chamber president Gary Rainbow.</p>
<p>“Major sponsor, Holiday Coast Credit Union and other local business generously support the event with both financial and in-kind contributions.”</p>
<p>Neville Parsons, CEO of Holiday Coast Credit Union, welcomes the opportunity to give back to the community.</p>
<p>“Holiday Coast is proud to continue to be the major sponsor of the Wauchope Christmas in Bain Park festivities and in so doing give back to the community that gave all of us our own local financial institution back in 1967,” he said.</p>
<p>“Holiday Coast is proud to continue to make a difference in the financial well-being of our members and this community. As a proud Wauchopian and as CEO, I am delighted to be able to give back to the community through the community asset being Holiday Coast Credit Union.</p>
<p>“From all at Holiday Coast best wishes for a very happy and safe Christmas 2018,” added Neville Parsons.</p>
<p>Port Macquarie Hastings Council Christmas Grants announced last week included funding for the Wauchope Christmas celebrations which are well received by the organizing committee.</p>
<p>“Council Christmas funding is essential to the event to cover the basis event costs. With ongoing support from local business, we aim to add a little magic each year. Last year we decorated and lit a tree in Bain Park – Wauchope’s first Town Christmas Tree,” said Mr Rainbow.</p>
<p>“It was a great addition to the Christmas lights trail. This year we are working to do this again and lights on the figs in Hastings Street also. “</p>
<p>“We invite visitors and residents to come together and enjoy a Wauchope Christmas and hope to bring a little magic to the town over the festive season,” he added.</p><font style="font-size: 11px;"><em><a href="https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/5790681/the-magic-of-christmas-is-coming-to-wauchope/?cs=1545" target="_blank">https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/5790681/the-magic-of-christmas-is-coming-to-wauchope/?cs=1545</a></em></font>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/2018%20xmas%20flyer%20v5-page-001.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954747
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6954747Lisa McPhersonSun, 02 Dec 2018 21:26:06 GMTCommunity Grant support for Wauchope Community Christmas<div class="boxHeaderOuterContainer">
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<h5><font style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 16px;">It is with great appreciation the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WauchopeChamberOfCommerce">Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc</a> has accepted a Community grant from Port Macquarie - Hastings Council for the <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/2018-xmas">Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park</a>&nbsp;which will be held on Saturday 15th December 2018 from 5pm.</font></h5>
<h5><font style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 16px;">2018 marks the 8th year of this annual community event and each year has seen increased participation by locals and visitors alike. The grant goes a long way to assist with the event basics including the stage, sound and lighting, activities, promotion, signage and more.<br></font></h5>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">The Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park is inviting&nbsp; entertainers, community groups, schools and stall enquiries. More information can be found on the <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas">Chamber website here</a>.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">Bring the family, friends, a rug or chair and enjoy a night out celebrating the festive Spirit with your fellow community members. Everyone is welcome and the event is very child friendly!&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">Be sure to click you are 'going' on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/265156441020053/" style="">Facebook&nbsp; Event Page</a>&nbsp;to receive updates.</font></p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/IMG_1204%20xmas%20grant.JPG"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><em>&nbsp;Image: Mayor Peta Pinson and Chamber Treasurer Ann Pereira</em></font></p>
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</div>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6942211
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6942211Lisa McPhersonSat, 10 Nov 2018 04:10:38 GMTService NSW is coming to Wauchope<p></p>
<p>The new Wauchope Service NSW Centre is opening at 9am on Friday 30 November 2018 and will be located at Shop 6, 243 High Street Wauchope.</p>
<p>The new centre will replace the existing Wauchope Motor Registry and provide access to over 1,000 different transactions including rego and driver licence renewals, Housing NSW payments, Fair Trading licences, Seniors Card applications, birth certificate applications and many more.</p>
<p>The current motor registry will close at 4pm on Thursday 29 November 2018.</p>
<p>In the meantime, you can complete many transactions online at www.service.nsw.gov.au or via the Service NSW app.</p>
<p>Opening hours for the new Service Centre are 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/23480_RR_Wauchope_Open_Soon_A3_NC_FA.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>
<p><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6897826
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6897826Lisa McPhersonThu, 01 Nov 2018 03:24:33 GMTPMHC Economic Development Update<p align="center"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-r/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-r/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339001000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH83PbOuBNL7EDEU0hzikQ0sfefaQ"><font color="#202020"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/LGaskJcw8vXbQQcP68FXaJPlnwfxSR1T0fZSSBC35s_XTKJmHI4_P1QppxVzznEeRrsOY3TRgslos8pXQhc99tfO61oS2r9JpjPYZYidN7Q0WVFklPPHrEQqiAiD-KAYCwWPsiYg2lyjj2LXsFM=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i1.cmail19.com/ei/d/A2/320/803/141529/csfinal/eNewsletterMastheads_600x90px_0.34.jpg" alt="Port Macquarie-Hastings Council" width="600"></font></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-y/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-y/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339001000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHyGFHWNNBK5rd_cN7XLKumJVUb5g"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font color="#FC9C2A"><img alt="business confidence survey outcomes" width="600" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/uy9p4B06Ro0_lbiUtmk_B2FYqr0EGGpXrLNRX-JVjnG1Rxv0Jpn7yhTkUGtj_BbgWyvnShRO0jSfS2q1k6EqpyPmxtUSq2inP42B9WRnmY9_-wdtu-vb8Ube1GXZvmda_Oo=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i1.cmail19.com/ei/d/A2/320/803/141529/csfinal/EcDevmattersIMAGE22018.jpg"></font></font></a></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 28px;"><font color="#FC9C2A" style="font-size: 20px;" face="arial, sans-serif"><strong>Great Signs for Local Economy as Businesses Remain Confident&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></font></h2>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><font color="#202020">Outcomes from the 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings annual Business Confidence Survey are&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-j/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-j/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339001000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEC_U7-BPbTJdcnyvi4F1sSOUhhYw"><font color="#FC9C2A">now available</font></a></font><font color="#202020">. This year over 430 businesses from a wide range of industry sectors participated.</font></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">Results indicate that local businesses remain confident and optimistic about their future profitability, and expect growth to continue over the coming year despite an easing of business conditions. &nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><font color="#202020">Measuring business confidence helps Council gauge the overall condition of the local economy and helps Council&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-t/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-t/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH0eimh0lelhN5YiBYO0fW-3c9RGg"><font color="#FC9C2A">plan for a vibrant economy</font></a></font><font color="#202020">. Your participation lets us know what’s important to you and your business, and how confident you are feeling about the future.</font></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#202020">Council would like to thank local businesses for their participation in the survey.</font></strong></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">For further information please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au"><font color="#FC9C2A">economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au</font></a></font></p>
<p><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-i/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-i/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHUdk65d4qe5f8LcKTV5Vp2yzN-tA"><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">Read Summary Report</font></strong></a></p>
<p style="line-height: 28px;"><font style="font-size: 20px;" face="arial, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FC9C2A">Great Signs for Local Economy</font></strong></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">Confident businesses and a reduction in the unemployment rate spell great signs for the growth of our local economy. Recent figures released by the&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-d/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-d/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEfJm09fKMp9_h_Ro5T-SD3NGYr3Q"><font color="#FC9C2A">Department of Jobs and Small Business</font></a>&nbsp;also show a reduction in unemployment locally, with the June 2018 quarter reported at 3.7%, down from 6% in 2016.</font></p>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">Council Director Jeffery Sharp said that investment in infrastructure, housing and the expansion of local industry in the region had contributed to this positive outlook.</font></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">“Our local economy continues to experience unprecedented growth and investment, with jobs growth expected to increase in the areas of construction, education and training, health care and social assistance.” Mr Sharp said.</font></p>
</blockquote>
<p style="line-height: 24px;"><font color="#202020" face="arial, sans-serif">For more information&nbsp;on your local economy please read the&nbsp;<a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-h/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-h/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE33CylWk-mMd-5kwVTMqgc0EcPlg"><font color="#FC9C2A">media release</font></a>.</font></p>
<p><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-k/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-k/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFTaQETZCDmrWyODRN0Kk4Ke-1zMw"><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">Read Media Release</font></strong></a></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Quick Links graphic" width="600" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/6oeGu5ADfT9SSgwJxj15z4KeXEa-nhhcvsFBgZ_KMw5F7cVlHuzRR4Z5o3DOETuwcdFLeU5iPziPcziKtsLuadwh4u9j4tS8h5mLagum5fRxNPt9HiN25XwUXYY=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i2.cmail19.com/ei/d/A2/320/803/141529/csfinal/Quicklinksshort1.png"></font></p>
<p><font face="arial, sans-serif"><strong><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-u/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-u/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHrxshVI2xuqz78pYTNQrkaKrI3lw"><font color="#FC9C2A">Business Portal&nbsp;</font></a></strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;an initiative of The Business Hub to create a great Facebook space for local businesses to connect, share, promote &amp; network.</font></p>
<p><font face="arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-o/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-o/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFzZGRfQ5dKMMQgwgGEFIAaYiF1xw"><font color="#FC9C2A"><strong>What We're Up To</strong></font></a>&nbsp;- An overview of Council’s infrastructure maintenance and construction projects that are in progress, have been delivered or are in the planning stages.</font></p>
<p><font face="arial, sans-serif"><strong><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-b/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-b/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGbHuKdACVU_Pmq_QboO3euMuffpQ"><font color="#FC9C2A">Council business</font></a>&nbsp;</strong>- Port Macquarie-Hastings Council resource for business support and advice.</font></p>
<p><font face="arial, sans-serif"><strong><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-n/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-nyhirll-jllynxjl-n/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1541909339002000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE_5b4E-dFoKA3iYtXY-WHaP0Dijw"><font color="#FC9C2A">Port Macquarie destination website</font></a></strong>&nbsp;- a great resource for Things to See and Do in our local region.</font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6897827
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6897827Lisa McPhersonFri, 20 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT2018 PMH Skills Audit Summary Report -Out now<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/pmhc%20banner.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><br></p>
<p>The 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Skills Audit Summary Report is now available. The audit assesses the region's current and future skills needs.</p>
<p>The project was enabled by a co-funded grant arrangement between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development under the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Project/Community Investment scheme.</p>
<p>A high level of stakeholder engagement was undertaken to gain an insight into current skills gaps and future trends.</p>
<p>The Skills Audit provides valuable data and information for business, industry, education and government sectors while assisting workers of the future to align their skills with growth sectors.</p>
<p>Please follow the link below to view the Summary Report.</p>
<p><a href="https://portmacquarie-hastingscouncil.cmail19.com/t/d-l-biiyhdk-ykujirstt-j/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR SUMMARY REPORT</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Council would like to acknowledge and thank industry and business representatives who contributed to the project.</p>
<p>For further information or a copy of the full report please email: <a href="mailto:economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au">economic@pmhc.nsw.gov.au</a>.</p>
<p></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6392204
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6392204Lisa McPhersonThu, 19 Jul 2018 02:00:00 GMTPOWERING NSW ECONOMY DRIVES JOBS GROWTH<p><em>(NSW Business Chamber Media Release)</em></p>
<p>Latest jobs data out today highlights the strong performance of the NSW economy and reinforces the state’s standing as Australia’s number one performing economy, according to the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber.<br></p>
<p>The NSW economy recorded strong job gains with more than 27,000 new positions created in June, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This brings the total to 150,434 jobs created over the year with NSW accounting for 44 per cent of the 339,000 jobs created nationally.</p>
<p>“That’s almost 1,000 new jobs created each day last month, a consequence of booming construction activity and a positive economic plan encouraging business growth across the state,” said Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Kellon Beard.</p>
<p>The ABS figures confirm unemployment in NSW fell to 4.7 per cent.</p>
<p>“These figures show businesses want to invest, and that they are upbeat about the future and the broader economic outlook. Going forward, the lift in the payroll tax threshold will provide even more support to smaller businesses looking to hire,” said Mr Beard.</p>
<p>The NSW economy is transitioning from the residential construction boom and the focus for Government now needs to be on the next wave of public and economic infrastructure.</p>
<p>“It’s very important that regional NSW shares in the economic benefits of the state. That is why we need to see the proceeds from the sale of the Snowy Hydro invested as soon as possible as this will ensure that NSW stays Number 1.”</p>
<p>The Snowy Hydro Fund should deliver long term economic development for regional NSW and provide essential infrastructure to help address issues such as drought mitigation and improved transport connectivity”.</p>
<p>“To keep NSW as the number one performing state in Australia we need a concerted effort to reduce operating costs for business, deliver critical skills training, (particularly for young job seekers) and fast track the delivery of infrastructure that will provide long term economic and community benefit,” said Mr Beard.</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6392253
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6392253Lisa McPhersonTue, 19 Jun 2018 00:17:22 GMTBUDGET PROVIDES TAX RELIEF AND BUILDS FOR FUTURE<p align="left"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="">The Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber believes the State Budget will be positively received by the business community across the Region as it provides both tax relief and invests in infrastructure and skills for the future.</span></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“This is a Budget which provides some welcome relief for small business in the form of an increased payroll tax threshold and builds future capacity through record investment in infrastructure and skills,” said Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Kellon Beard.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“Importantly, the budget recognises the need for fiscal responsibility with an average surplus of $1.6 billion per year projected over the forward estimates, despite revenue from stamp duty being lower than expected over the coming years,” Mr Beard said.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“The NSW Business Chamber actively supported the proposal to lease the state’s electricity assets to drive investment in much needed infrastructure, and provide financial security for years to come. That has come to fruition.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“The NSW Business Chamber has long cautioned that stamp duty revenue was providing somewhat of a false picture of the strength of the State’s finances, however this is a Budget that recognises the role the business community, particularly small business plays in getting the economy firing.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“The previously revealed extension of the payroll tax threshold to $1 million over the next four years has been celebrated by businesses of all sizes.&nbsp; Already a number of businesses have commented they will be taking on more staff on account of not being slugged with payroll tax or associated administrative expense.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“The NSW Business Chamber made an increase in the payroll tax threshold the central plank of advocacy efforts and we are pleased the Government have listened to the needs of small business.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“More than $35 million has been set aside to extend the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/easy-do-business" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/easy-do-business&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1529904774614000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEKlpKXtbpisLpXyiRN39C0XwQSSg"><font color="#1155CC">Easy to Do Business</font></a></em>&nbsp;program, a concept enthusiastically championed by the NSW Business Chamber during its trial stages when it assisted restaurants and cafes – its extension to the housing construction sector will make it easier for new players to set up operations.&nbsp;</font><em style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“One of the growing challenges for businesses in NSW, particularly regional businesses is in the ability to attract and retain skilled staff, to do the jobs now and into the future.&nbsp;</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“The Government is looking to close the gap on the skills shortage through the provision of 100,000 free apprenticeships, and a mandate that new Government infrastructure projects must have a workforce of at least 20% apprentices.</font></p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“Regional NSW will also see an additional $4.15 billion from the sale of Snowy Hydro. The Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund will provide funding for regional infrastructure across regional and rural NSW.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“This Budget focuses on making Sydney and regional centres better connected through increased spending on major transport systems, which has been a long frustration for business and regional communities.</font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">The Budget confirms $87.2 billion in infrastructure investment across a number of significant projects including:</font></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$2.4 billion Sydney Metro Northwest</font></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$1.9 billion Sydney Metro City and Southwest</font></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$1.8 billion to continue delivery of WestConnex</font></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">$1.2 billion to continue Pacific Highway upgrade</font></strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$880 million investment in technology to improve rail network performance</font></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$600 million for road safety infrastructure upgrades</font></li>
</ul>
<p><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;">“With an election in NSW now just nine months away, the Government has made its pitch through this Budget on the back of solid economic management being able to provide opportunities to support business growth, investment and job creation.&nbsp; However it’s vital that regional NSW is not left behind, and we expect to see activity on the ground in the coming months,” Mr Beard said.</font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337630
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337630Lisa McPhersonMon, 18 Jun 2018 00:33:42 GMTFREE APPRENTICESHIPS A BOOST FOR WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN NSW<p></p>
<p>Making apprenticeships more accessible and affordable will ensure NSW builds capacity and with it the workforce of the future, according to the State’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber.<br></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Premier has announced that the State Budget will feature a package that provides for a very large number of free apprenticeships over the next four years across a range of skill specifications.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“This is an important announcement – not just for those looking at starting an apprenticeship, but for business owners across the State who are keen to take on more staff,” said Kellon Beard Regional Manager, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“From July, apprentices can undertake their training free of charge, and there’s no requirement for them to have to fork out for an upfront fee, nor for their employer to reimburse them for their studies,” Mr Beard said.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“The Government has made it as easy as possible for students to take up this offer, it won’t be limited simply to TAFE, but also offered through other Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s).</p>
<p></p>
<p>“NSW is in the middle of an unprecedented infrastructure boom, but sadly there are gaps between the skills our young people possess and those needed to take on these jobs.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“This skills gap is especially prevalent in regional NSW where our quarterly Business Conditions Surveys tell us that the number two issue for business owners behind rising energy costs is the inability to find workers with the skills needed for the vacant jobs that they have.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“Given apprenticeships have a higher employment success rate than university degrees, this is further good news for apprentices entering the workforce, with trades leading the top 10 occupations in demand for our future workforce.</p>
<p></p>
<p>“Getting young Australians into an apprenticeship and building a quality workforce is fundamental to future economic and social prosperity, and a mission that the business community in NSW will support to help close the skills shortage gap,” Mr Beard said.</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337634
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337634Lisa McPhersonSun, 17 Jun 2018 00:38:45 GMTPAYROLL TAX THRESHOLD INCREASE WILL BOOST BUSINESS<p>A lift in the Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million over the next four years will be celebrated by businesses across NSW, particularly those who were approaching or are just over the current threshold, says the State’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the change as part of the State Budget, to be delivered on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“This is a very positive step and something that the NSW Business Chamber has been campaigning for over a long period,” said Kellon Beard Regional Manager Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Payroll tax, and the very low threshold in NSW, has discouraged small businesses from hiring additional staff, and worse still it costs many small businesses thousands of dollars each year in administration costs for relatively little additional state revenue,” Mr Beard said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Lifting the payroll tax threshold was a central plank of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/Policy/Keeping-NSW-Number-1-NSWBC-web.pdf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/Policy/Keeping-NSW-Number-1-NSWBC-web.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1529904778259000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFF66r7YFMZtFmCBQ5b4YR46dG0jA">Keeping NSW Number One</a>&nbsp;campaign which was launched in March, and of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/ABI/NSW-Business-Chamber-Pre-Budget-Submission-(FINAL).pdf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/ABI/NSW-Business-Chamber-Pre-Budget-Submission-(FINAL).pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1529904778259000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHtoDTH6TeNGK525NJbVdkkr5kI5Q">pre-budget submission</a>,&nbsp;which was&nbsp;released in April.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Payroll tax is a tax on jobs and job creation and serves as a disincentive to employ more people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“An increase from $750,000 to $850,000 in the first year, and then by $50,000 per year for the next 3 years means a business with an annual payroll of around $750,000 can hire two extra young job seekers without being slugged by a tax penalty and extra administrative costs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Being penalised for creating new jobs is just ridiculous.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“As cost pressures on doing business in NSW increase, especially energy prices, the State Government has heard the message loud and clear from the business community that they need relief if they are going to employ more of their fellow Australians.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“What’s important about this announcement is that it’s not just Sydney centric – in fact, regional NSW has a higher relative share of businesses just over the payroll tax threshold, and these are “mum and dad” businesses that shouldn’t be caught up in the complication of processing and remitting payroll tax.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“With a State Election in March next year, the NSW Business Chamber will continue to advocate for both major parties to develop and articulate policies that drive business confidence, investment and more jobs in this state,” Mr Beard said.&nbsp;</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337638
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337638Lisa McPhersonWed, 13 Jun 2018 00:40:54 GMTCAPACITY BUILDING MUST BE THE FOCUS OF NSW STATE BUDGET<p>The NSW Treasurer is set to hand down the State Budget on Tuesday and while NSW is currently the nation’s strongest economy, now is not the time for timidity or half measures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The strength of the NSW Budget and economy provides an opportunity to build future capacity and provide the economic settings necessary to ensure NSW remains the number one state for investment, business and jobs growth for the next decade and beyond.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Key to this future are the small businesses of NSW who employ half our workforce, and contribute $300 billion dollars a year to the state’s economy.&nbsp; This is also a sector of the economy that is doing it tough with cost pressures threatening their viability and ability to grow.&nbsp; The NSW Business Chamber has spelt out the benefits of increasing the payroll tax threshold as a practical and immediate way to provide a direct stimulus to jobs growth and much needed support for NSW small business.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let’s be clear, Payroll Tax is a tax on jobs and for those small businesses approaching, or above the existing NSW payroll tax threshold, the second lowest in Australia, there is a direct financial penalty on employing additional staff.&nbsp; Increasing the threshold will remove a barrier to employment growth and reduce costly administrative red-tape on businesses across the Mid North Coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The NSW Business Chamber has also stressed the importance of investing more in trades and related training.&nbsp; Boosting investment in skills and training particularly in the construction, hospitality and community service sectors was a key plank of the NSW Business Chamber’s Pre-Budget submission.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Budget provides an opportunity to outline measures to tackle our unacceptably high youth unemployment rate and help ensure NSW has the skills required for the future.&nbsp; On the Mid North Coast, current youth unemployment is far too high, with some areas as high as 22 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The pre-Budget announcements to ensure 20 per cent of jobs on new public infrastructure projects provide training opportunities and the commitment to boost apprenticeship numbers are positive steps.&nbsp; However, there is a need to bolster training availability and accessibility for young job seekers and for targeted measures to address the crippling skill shortages faced by employers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also hope to see in the Budget plans to speed up the delivery of promised infrastructure.&nbsp; Sydney is booming off the back of the Government’s pipeline of projects but there is a need to expedite the delivery of infrastructure in the Mid North Coast and surrounding region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The NSW Government, backed strongly by the NSW Business Chamber, made the right decision to raise substantial funds through asset recycling, there is now a need to focus on the timely investment of these proceeds in projects that provide the long-term economic infrastructure required on the Mid North Coast.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tuesday’s Budget should be about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/Policy/Keeping-NSW-Number-1-NSWBC-web.pdf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/Policy/Keeping-NSW-Number-1-NSWBC-web.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1529904779406000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEEIh4tHypAmqPkCONxK0mALolUOg">Keeping NSW Number 1</a>,&nbsp;to achieve this it is essential the Budget supports small business, invests more in training and skilling the next generation and fast-tracks the delivery of infrastructure across the Region.&nbsp; These three areas are vital to improve productivity and economic capacity.&nbsp;</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337640
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6337640Lisa McPhersonThu, 05 Apr 2018 01:32:12 GMT2018 Youth Week!<p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Council are partnering with youth focused groups , services and businesses and are in the processes of planning a program for Youth Week 2018 - Unity Through Diversity . Stay tuned for further information via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Youth/National-Youth-Week" target="_blank">http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Youth/National-Youth-Week</a></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 14px;">National Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, take part in competitions but most of all have fun!</font></p>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Youth%20Week-Fright%20Night%20Friday_A4_0%201.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188" align="right">YAC presents - Fright Night Friday</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Fri 13 April 6pm-10:30PM<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">The Basement at Port Panthers<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Age 14-20 years<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">$5 on the door- All money collected will go to charity<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Come celebrate all things Friday 13th best outfit wins a prize..Lets keep it R rated..<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">DJ Lineup<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Over 18’s will need to sign in at the main counter in Panthers.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">This is a Drug and Alcohol free event- Please see Panthers Website regarding FAQ’s- <a href="http://portmacquarie.panthers.com.au" target="_blank">portmacquarie.panthers.com.au</a></font></li>
</ul><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></strong>
<div>
<img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Seaside%20Scavenge%20Poster%202018%20%20copy%20PDF.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188" align="right" style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 14px;"><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Seaside Scavenger-Port Macquarie</font></strong><br>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sat 14 April 9am-1pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Westport Park<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">All Ages Event<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Get your crew together in a race to see who can collect and trade coastal litter for prizes.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">For more information follow the Link- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1215562841910071/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/1215562841910071/</a></font></li>
</ul><font color="#373737"><br></font>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Headspace Greenspace</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/headspace%20youth%20week%20poster.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188" align="right">Tues 17 April 11pm-2pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Town Green<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Chilling out with music, healthy ‘Green treats’ including sushi, bliss balls, wraps &amp; smoothies<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Come hang out on the beanbags and unwind on the grass<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Dream catching/mindfulness workshop &amp; drumming circle<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">A day to provide young people the opportunity to relax, enjoy healthy food in an inclusive environment while being mindful &amp; creative<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Free event for all ages<br></font></li>
</ul>
<div>
<font color="#373737"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br></span></font>
</div><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&nbsp;Presented by YP Space - Youth Homelessness Matter Day March</strong></font><br>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">8:30 Start at either Bunnings, The Race Course, Aldi or Windmill Hill.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Joins us in a march across Port Macquarie to highlight the issue of youth homelessness, locally and across Australia.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">For more information follow the Link- <a href="http://www.yps.org.au/" target="_blank">http://www.yps.org.au/</a></font><strong style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31); font-size: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/YHMDpostermediumsize-page-001.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/YHMDpostermediumsize-page-002.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</font></strong></p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/artwalk2018_posterA3_160318.jpg" border="0" width="133" height="188" align="right">
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Artwalk- Creative Youth Zone</font></strong><br></p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Thurs 19 April<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Event Start time 6pm-9pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Workshop Start time 4pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Port Macquarie CBD<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">All Ages<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Free Event<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Form More follow the Link-Facebook event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/278343262697620/%20Facebook%20page" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/278343262697620/ Facebook page</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artwalkpmq/%20PMHC%20Website" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/artwalkpmq/ PMHC Website</a> <a href="http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Arts-and-Culture/ArtWalk" target="_blank">http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Arts-and-Culture/ArtWalk</a><br></font></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Creative Wauchope Festival<img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Creative%20Wauchope%20Artwalk%20Satellite%20Event%20Promotion%20Promo%20A4_0.5.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="133" height="188" align="right"></font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sat 21 April 10am-2pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Bain Park- Wauchope<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Creative Wauchope Festival will bring together and celebrate all things creative and artistic, with fun activities and workshops for young and old.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">For more info follow the link- https://www.facebook.com/creativewauchope/<br></font></li>
</ul><font color="#373737"><br></font><font color="#373737"><br></font><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Rainbow%20Rhythms%20YACCAM%202018%20A3%20Final.jpg" border="0" align="right" width="133" height="188">
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Y</font></strong><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">ACAM Presents - Rainbow Rhythms</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sun 22 April 12pm-7pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Rainbow Beach Reserve<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Free all ages<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">A Drug and Alcohol free event<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Lineup - Nana Klumpp, Genes, The Oasis, EZ3, TIA, Jo Hord, Ultravoilet, Bella Cicak<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">This live music event will showcase the young local talent of the Camden Haven.<br></font></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Cosplay</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sunday 22 April 12pm to 3pm<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Guest Appearance: Manga Artist Matt Lin will join us for a Draw Off<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Ultimate self-created costumes that pay homage to your favourite Anime or Manga character and bring it to life for all to see! Cosplay Parade at 1pm. Register on the day.<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Doodle Art – try your hand at creating your favourite anime or Manga characters<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Games – play your favourite board game<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sausage sizzle<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Chopstick Championships<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Draw Off! plus lots more!<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Manga Mania Art Exhibition</strong> - Do you like drawing manga or anime characters or pictures? We would like to showcase your art in an Exhibition of Manga/Anime Artworks. We would like to invite you to be part of this exhibition. Entries will receive a certificate and prizes will be announced at Cosplay @ Port (Sunday 22nd April). If you would like to be part of this exhibition…please leave your artwork with your name, age, telephone number at your local library (no framed work please…just on paper or cardboard. 3D models welcome) by Thursday 19 April<br></font></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Locals Talk @ The Library</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Saturday 14 April 10-11am<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Port Macquarie Library<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Celebrating Youth Week with some inspiring young locals - Young Hastings Heroine of the year Jess Denham, musician and producer Nicholas Cummins, and youth mental health crusader Vee Vien<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Morning tea provided<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">RSVP 5581 8755 or portlib@mnclibrary.org.au<br></font></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><font style="font-size: 14px;">Youth Week Library Techie Stuff</font></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Tuesday 17 April and Friday 20 April – Introduction to Recording<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">10am to 12 noon for 16 years up. Bookings 6581 8755<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Tuesday 24 April and Friday 27 April – Introduction to Electronic Music<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 14px;">10am to 12 noon for 16 years up. Bookings 6581 8755</font></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">
<font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Youth%20Week%202018%20Event%20Poster%20Final%202018.jpg" border="0"></font>
</div><font color="#373737"><br></font>
</div>
</div>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6017152
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/6017152Lisa McPhersonThu, 22 Mar 2018 21:03:52 GMTETC Community Support Fund Open (Closes 13 April 2018)<p>ETC has today announced $250,000 in community funding via the ETC Community Support Fund.</p>
<p>Organisations can apply for up to $20,000 each, with smaller grants encouraged.</p>
<p>Applications will be assessed based on how well they align with ETC’s focus on employment and training, and meet one or more of the funding objectives:</p>
<p>Contribute to reducing disadvantage faced by the unemployed and/or other disadvantaged groups</p>
<p>Support the availability and/or sustainability of employment and training opportunities</p>
<p>Enhance community support services and/or build community capacity</p>
<p>For further information and to apply online visit <a href="http://etcltd.com.au/csf" target="_blank">etcltd.com.au/csf</a></p>
<p>Applications close 5pm Friday 13 April.</p>
<p><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&amp;ik=918de1412a&amp;view=fimg&amp;th=1623bab48025edfb&amp;attid=0.5&amp;disp=emb&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ-zGHZiJIGrS2B6OeuJJFGOFDuolPfM8YwBM9RHjVHmiHKZYSqhaN13t6L4vauVrSJDTg5AsjHr-XBhO7gJ4tUS5u61-wj3l-gpUHAot9Z3JuBJzYkMXc2iwWo&amp;sz=w1200-h182&amp;ats=1521751765679&amp;rm=1623bab48025edfb&amp;zw&amp;atsh=1"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5993533
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5993533Lisa McPhersonMon, 26 Feb 2018 09:35:25 GMTLose Yourself in the Bago Maze- February 2018 Chamber Meeting<p>Despite the blustery weather we had a great turn out to the "Lose Yourself in the Bago Maze" Chamber event last night, 26th Feb 2018 at Bago Maze &amp; Winery.</p>
<p>As the weather settled in we replaced the Maze experience for a tour of the Bago Vineyard wine processing plant. Jim Mobbs talked us through the process and demonstrated the equipment used.</p>
<p>An update from Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Gary Rainbow shared the status of projects such as the Wauchope Main St Plan, the Chamber Volunteer Program, the proposed Heritage Riverside Walk the Wauchope District Historical Society are working on and the forum on the 27th Feb for the Hastings Regional Sporting complex planned for Wauchope.</p>
<p>Vana from Vasnas Designs - Out of the Ordinary shared an update on Creative Wauchope who are in talks to join the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a subcommittee which will foster a closer partnership.</p>
<p>We were joined also by Mark Wilson of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce sharing a concept for a buy local campaign which we look forward to hearing more about in the coming months.</p>
<p>The next meeting will be Monday 19th March 2018 (3rd Mon each month) and details will be out soon!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/WauchopeChamberOfCommerce/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1606610496089902" target="_blank">More pics on Facebook here</a><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/FB4.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5879003
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5879003Lisa McPhersonThu, 21 Dec 2017 21:36:55 GMTMain st Plan Funding Comes Through<p>The Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc are delighted to share correspondence from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) that the Wauchope Main St Plan works are to progress in the near future.</p>
<p>State Government funding to the tune of $1.8 M has been made available for the project. While this funding offer was presented to Council a few months ago certain criteria required PMHC to contribute further ratepayer dollars to employ an RMS approved Project Officer which was not part of the original cost estimate.</p>
<p>PMHC has made representations to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to revise this criteria and the variation has been accepted. Council can now take the next steps to secure a Project Officer and commence with procurement of contractors.</p>
<p>The Wauchope Chamber highlighted the Wauchope Main St Plan as a key Agenda item and advocated on this issue this year. We thank Melinda Pavey MP - Member for Oxley and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, RMS and PMHC for their work to progress this project and we cannot wait to see the results.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>See more information on the <a href="http://haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/wauchope-main-street" target="_blank">Wauchope Main St Plan Here</a></strong></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5645576
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5645576Lisa McPhersonWed, 20 Dec 2017 02:37:05 GMTClean up underway at Bago<p>The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council recently announced they were successful with a $147,000 EPA Clean up and Prevention Grant to target Illegal Dumping in the LGA in partnership with PMHC and Forestry NSW and NPWS in 2017/18.<br></p>
<p>We are excited to see things are underway with several abandoned vehicles being picked up from the Bago area.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc thank PMHC for their work in this area. Dumping of rubbish in the State Forests and National Parks was highlighted as a Chamber Agenda item and raised with Council earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/IMG_9276.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/IMG_9275.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5643358
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5643358Lisa McPhersonThu, 07 Dec 2017 09:30:14 GMTTown Christmas Tree for Wauchope<p>Bain Park Wauchope will be home to Wauchope’s first Town Christmas Tree this year. The tree located near the mural wall will be dressed in the coming days with the official ‘lighting of the tree’ set for the evening of Saturday 9th December as the finale of the Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park celebrations, presented by Holiday Coast Credit Union.<br></p>
<p>The Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc are delighted to announce the “Lighting of the Tree” as a new addition to the night. The tree will stay lit until after Christmas night giving all a chance to enjoy it. Wauchope is known as a destination for great Christmas lights and the tree will be another stop on the map.</p>
<p>Thanks go to many Wauchope businesses and groups who have sponsored the Christmas celebrations and made the tree a reality; these include Holiday Coast Credit Union, Bundaleer Care Services, North Coast TAFE, A1 Auto Parts, Hastings Co-op, Presbyterian Church, Curly's Café, Waterman's Café, Elements of Design, Party Professionals, Expressway Spares, Wauchope Gazette, Head AV, Harcourts, Valley Guitar, Mount Seaview Water and Red Shed Hire. Special mention to Chris Bowser, MNC Tree Services and Abstract Plastics for their assistance with dressing the tree and Port Macquarie Hastings Council to approve the works.</p>
<p>The evening offers stalls and children’s activities from 5pm and entertainment on stage from 6pm.</p>
<p>Local performers will join us on the night and Sing Australia Wauchope accompanied by the Hastings Municipal Band will lead the carols. Visitors and locals are invited to come along with your rug or chair and sing along. There is plenty to do for the kids with face painting, jumping castles, cookie decorating and of course a picture with Santa.</p>
<p>For more information go to <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas">www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WauchopeChamberOfCommerce/" target="_blank">Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.</a></p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Wauchope%20Christmas%20Tree.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="display: block;"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5619776
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5619776Lisa McPhersonMon, 27 Nov 2017 01:07:47 GMTChristmas Cheer comes to Wauchope<p><span style="">The <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/">Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry</a> Inc are delighted to announce the 7th Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park will kick off from 5pm on Saturday 9</span><sup style="">th</sup> <span style="">December 2017 in Bain Park Wauchope, proudly presented by Holiday Coast Credit Union.</span><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>The <a href="http://WWW.HCCU.COM.AU" target="_blank">Holiday Coast Credit Union</a> have continued their support as the Major Sponsor along with several other local businesses including <a href="http://www.bundaleer.org.au/" target="_blank">Bundaleer Care Services</a>, <a href="http://www.northcoasttafe.edu.au/" target="_blank">North Coast TAFE</a>, <a href="https://www.hastingscoop.com.au/" target="_blank">Hastings Coop</a>, <a href="http://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/" target="_blank">Wauchope Gazette</a>, <a href="http://partyprofessionals.com.au/" target="_blank">Party Professionals</a> and <a href="http://www.headav.com.au/" target="_blank">Head AV</a>.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Home" target="_blank">Port Macquarie Hastings Council</a> Community grants are a great contributor to this iconic annual event.</p>
<p>“Holiday Coast Credit Union having just celebrated 50 years of serving the Wauchope and broader Hastings community is proud to again be the Major Sponsor for the Wauchope Community Christmas celebrations in Bain Park on Saturday 9 December 2017. It is very appropriate that a home-grown business is the major sponsor and we are delighted to do so.” said Neville Parsons CEO Holiday Coast Credit Union.</p>
<p>The evening offers stalls and children’s activities from 5pm and entertainment on stage from 6pm.</p>
<p>Local performers will join us on the night and Sing Australia Wauchope and Community Choir accompanied by the Hastings Municipal Band will lead the carols. Visitors and locals are invited to come along with your rug or chair and sing along. There is plenty to do for the kids with face painting, jumping castles, cookie decorating and of course a picture with Santa.</p>
<p>For more information go to <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas">www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas</a> or visit the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.&nbsp;</p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5602113
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5602113Lisa McPhersonFri, 17 Nov 2017 09:44:31 GMT2017 Moto Fest Wauchope one sleep away<p>The Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc are beyond excited that the 2017 Moto Fest Wauchope is on tomorrow, Sat 18th November at the Wauchope Showground.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The work of the wonderful people on the Motorcycle Friendly Wauchope Committee, a sub-committee of the Chamber, are to be commended on the tireless efforts to bring the Moto Fest event about.&nbsp; A Special mention goes out to Jenny Pursehouse, Coordinator of the sub-committee and the Moto Fest event for her contributions.</p>
<p>Moto Fest celebrates the one year Anniversary of the announcement of Wauchope as a Motorcycle Friendly Town, and what a great job the Wauchope community and local business have done in welcoming riders.</p>
<p>Thank you to the many volunteers and Sponsors of the event for your support as we take another step in making Wauchope THE destination for motorcyclists.</p>
<p>The Chamber hopes all have a fantastic day enjoying Moto Fest tomorrow. The event is family friendly so grab the family and friends and head on down!</p>
<p>For more information head to to <a href="http://www.motofest.com.au" target="_blank">www.motofest.com.au</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Moto%20Fest%20banner.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5590562
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5590562Lisa McPhersonWed, 01 Nov 2017 08:32:59 GMTInterview with the Mayor at the Wauchope Chamber AGM<p>The Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 30th October at the Wauchope RSL Club.</p>
<p>The AGM was proceeded by a fun 'Interview with the Mayor' with many laughs around the room and a few more serious local issues covered.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So what was the Mayor's first job? She was a Medical receptionist in a doctor's office based in Sydney. Mayor Pinson had a number of insights to share including concepts of "Love it or leave it", "When things aren't right let it go" and don't be afraid to use your voice on issues you are passionate about. She also shared her enthusiasm for the promising future for the Wauchope and surrounding areas.</p>
<p><strong>AGM Matters:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>All Executive positions were declared vacant on the night by the Returning Officer Kellon Beard. Eight Executive positions were elected as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">President: Gary Rainbow&nbsp;<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Vice President/ Secretary: Lisa McPherson<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Treasurer Ann Pereira<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Committee Member: Terry White</font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Committee Member: Janette Rainbow&nbsp;</font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Committee Member: Kylie Hackney&nbsp;<br></font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Committee Member: Robyn Flanagan &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></li>
<li><font style="font-size: 16px;">Committee Member: Vacancy</font></li>
</ul>
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<font color="#373737" style="font-size: 16px;">The Meeting shared an update on local happenings including <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/MOTOFESTWAUCHOPE2017" style="">MotoFest</a>, <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas" style="">Wauchope Community Christmas in Bain Park</a>, Creative Wauchope and the upcoming Wauchope to Kempsey Rail Centenary &amp; Bridges and Viaducts Celebrations due to happen in Wauchope later this year.</font>
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<font color="#373737" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style="">Images courtesy of the Wauchope Gazette</em></font>
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http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5483126Lisa McPhersonWed, 01 Nov 2017 07:51:13 GMTCouncil grant makes for a Merry Wauchope Christmas<p>It is with great appreciation the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WauchopeChamberOfCommerce" target="_blank">Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc</a> today accepted a Community grant from Port Macquarie - Hastings Council for the <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas">Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park</a>&nbsp;which will be held on Saturday 9th December 2017 from 5pm.</p>
<p>2017 marks the 7th year of this annual community event and each year has seen increased participation by locals and visitors alike. The grant goes a long way to assist with the event basics including the stage, sound and lighting, activities, promotion, signage and more.</p>
<p>The Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park is now inviting&nbsp; entertainers, community groups, schools and stall enquiries. More information can be found on the <a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/Wauchope-Christmas">Chamber website here</a>.</p>
<p>Bring the family, friends, a rug or chair and enjoy a night out celebrating the festive Spirit with your fellow community members. Everyone is welcome and the event is very child friendly!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Be sure to click you are 'going' on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/311404009362226" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp; Event Page</a>&nbsp;to receive updates.</p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Image: Lisa McPherson. Wauchope Chamber Vice President and Mayor Peta Pinson</em></font></p>
<p><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/Community%20Grants%20Nov%202017_18%20(27).JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5482647
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5482647Lisa McPhersonMon, 25 Sep 2017 12:04:50 GMTMeet the Firies @ Wauchope<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">The September Wauchope Chamber gathering was held at the Fire &amp; Rescue NSW Wauchope Firehouse on Campbell and Young St.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">The Fire crew shared a presentation on Fire safety both at home and in the workplace.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">By law business are required to have an emergency plan in place. It is essential to have personnel trained to implement the plan. We have compiled a few helpful links below to assist with putting your plan together.</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;">The Wauchope Firies demonstrated the tools of the trade including the Firetrucks and jaws of life.</font></p>
<p>Thanks to the Wauchope 492 team for hosting the evening.</p>
<p><strong>Helpful Links:</strong></p>
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<li><a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-survival-plan" target="_blank" class="linkAlternative">Bush Fire Plan</a><br></li>
<li><a href="http://www.seshomeemergencyplan.com.au/index.php" target="_blank" class="linkAlternative">Home Emergency Plan</a><br></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=3" target="_blank" class="linkAlternative">Workplace Safety</a><br></li>
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<p><font style="font-size: 16px;"><img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/fbIMG_8041.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="252" height="189">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Pictures/fbIMG_8042.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="253" height="190"><br></font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5288553
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/5288553Lisa McPhersonMon, 12 Dec 2016 08:36:41 GMTChristmas Celebrations and Hastings Co-op 100 year Major Giveaway<p><br></p>
<p>Such a wonderful night at the Community Christmas in Bain Park on Saturday night. A big thank you to the dedicated team who put this great event together. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the Hastings Co-op 100 year Major Giveaway.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hastingscoop/photos/pcb.1461303273884286/1461302910550989/?type=3" target="_blank">Winners of the Hastings Co-op 100 year Major Giveaway</a><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4453469
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4453469Jenny PursehouseTue, 15 Nov 2016 10:42:39 GMT"Motorcycle Friendly Town" LaunchSaturday 19th November will see the launch of Wauchope as NSW's 1st Motor Cycle Frendly Town. Come along from 9.30 am at Bain Park, Wauchope for a 10.00 am Offical Launch. &nbsp;
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<p>Thanks for the great article from Mark Hinchliffe "Motorbike Writer"</p>
<p><a href="http://motorbikewriter.com/wauchope-becomes-motorcycle-friendly/" target="_blank">http://motorbikewriter.com/wauchope-becomes-motorcycle-friendly/</a><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4391741
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4391741Jenny PursehouseMon, 22 Aug 2016 22:27:21 GMTMarketing is not the "be all and end all"<p><br></p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 18px;" color="#551EA4">Marketing is not the "be all and end all"</font></p>
<p>Thanks to Tracie Sanim from Splash Marketing and PR for her insights into Marketing at our recent Chamber of Commerce General Meeting. A very thought provoking look into gaining the best Marketing approach for your Business.&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.visitwauchope.com.au/resources/Documents/NSW%20Business%20Chamber/Marketing-is-NOT-the-be-all-and-end-all.docx" target="_blank">Marketing-is-NOT-the-be-all-and-end-all.docx</a><br></p>
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<p align="center"><img src="http://splashmarketingandpr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/tracie-sanim-pic-500x630.jpg" alt="tracie-sanim-pic" width="117" height="148"><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4204558
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4204558Jenny PursehouseThu, 14 Jul 2016 04:28:06 GMT"Riding the Best Roads in Australia:The Oxley Highway"<p>Have a look at this interesting article on riding The Oxley Highway.</p>
<p>Getting us ready to get in the groove for the upcoming Ulysses AGM to be held in Wauchope, May 2017. According to the organising committee we will have over 3000 Ulysses Club members coming to Wauchope!&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center"><font style="font-size: 18px;" color="#FF00FF">This will be HUGE!!! &nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://motorbikewriter.com/matho-declares-oxley-highway/" target="_blank"><font color="#551EA4" style="font-size: 14px;">"Riding the Best Roads in Australia: The Oxley Highway"</font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#551EA4" style="font-size: 18px;"><br></font></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4131969
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4131969Jenny PursehouseThu, 23 Jun 2016 00:24:21 GMTCandidates for Lyne and their policies - Wauchope Gazette<p align="center"><strong><font color="#0000FF" style="font-size: 18px;">Candidates and their Policies!</font></strong></p>
<p>Interesting read from the Wauchope Gazette on the Candidates for Lyne and their policies</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/3986021/meet-the-candidates-for-lyne/?cs=12" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman" style="font-size: 24px;">Read article here</font></a></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092335
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092335Jenny PursehouseThu, 23 Jun 2016 00:15:02 GMT"Meet the Candidates" 2016<P><BR></P>
<P align="center"><FONT style="font-size: 24px;"><FONT color="#00A651">"Meet the Candidates"</FONT></FONT></P>
<P>For a wrap up of the "Meet the Candidates" night held in Wauchope on Monday 20th June 2016, please have a read of the Wauchope Gazette article by Letitia Fitzpatrick:<BR></P>
<P align="center">&nbsp;<STRONG style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', WaWebKitSavedSpanIndex_0; font-size: 24px; color: rgb(57, 181, 74);"><A href="http://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/3981970/wauchope-people-meet-the-lyne-candidates/?cs=1545" target="_blank">Read the Wauchope Gazette article here</A></STRONG></P>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092332
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092332Jenny PursehouseThu, 23 Jun 2016 00:02:12 GMT"Have Questions for the Candidates" Wauchope 20th June 2016<p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#B800EC" style="font-size: 24px;">Have questions for your Candidates?</font></p>
<p align="left">Monday night's "Meet the Candidates" event in Wauchope was very interesting and informative.</p>
<p align="left">As promised, please find below best contact details for each of the Candidates present on the night:</p>
<p align="left">Julie Lyford - The Greens: <a href="mailto:lyne@nsw.greens.org.au">lyne@nsw.greens.org.au</a></p>
<p align="left">Peter Alley - Country Labor: 0428 327 525 &nbsp;<a href="mailto:peter@peteralley.com">peter@peteralley.com</a></p>
<p align="left">David Gillespie - The Nationals: <a href="mailto:david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au">david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au</a></p>
<p align="left">Brad Christensen - Independent: <a href="mailto:bradchristensen.ind@gmail.com">bradchristensen.ind@gmail.com</a></p>
<p align="left">Rodger Riach - Indepependent: 0409 456 333 &nbsp;<a href="mailto:rodgerriach@gmail.com">rodgerriach@gmail.com</a></p><br>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092298
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4092298Jenny PursehouseMon, 09 May 2016 00:29:32 GMTWauchope Pool Update<h1 class="pageTitle legacyFunctionalSystemPageTitle"><font color="#B800EC">Big News regarding the Wauchope Pool!</font></h1>
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For an update please check out the website:
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<a href="http://www.portnews.com.au/story/3890751/wauchope-could-be-home-to-first-aboriginal-swim-academy/?cs=256" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 14px;">Wauchope Pool Update - Port Macquarie News</font></a>
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<p><br></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4009035
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/4009035Jenny PursehouseWed, 30 Mar 2016 06:25:57 GMTWhat's on in Wauchope - 106th Wauchope Show<p>The 106th Wauchope Show is on this weekend. Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd April. Loads of fun for the whole family. For more information check out the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wauchopeshowsociety.com.au/" title="Click on the link" target="_blank">http://www.wauchopeshowsociety.com.au/</a></p>http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/3918270
http://visitwauchope.com.au/page-1306504/3918270Jenny Pursehouse